Kansas City Consensus

Mission:
Consensus puts the "public" in public policy. It provides the neutral space, research and processes necessary to improve public policy decision-making by giving the public a voice. Consensus, building on a distinguished history as a catalyst for progress, has grown into a social venture with an array of tools at its disposal. Each of those tools -- among them deliberative forums, task forces, surveys, focus groups, future search conferences, and customized public meetings -- are designed to improve decision-making by providing effective ways to engage the public. Consensus makes an impact by: 1) Providing access for civic leaders and legislators to the distinct point of view of the public; 2) Creating action that leads to progress, including new laws, new and improved programs, and shifts in allocation of resources; 3) Developing new leaders with a regional rather than parochial point of view; and 4) Strengthening the civic fabric by providing opportunities for diverse citizens to learn from and work with one another. Programs:
Consensus improves public policy decision making by engaging citizens in deliberative forums. In 2003, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation chose Consensus as the home for its KC Forums project. Since then, Consensus has continued offering deliberation to the local community and clients. Very quickly, Consensus became a national presence in deliberation, working with the Kettering Foundation, with MacNeil/Lehrer Productions and AmericaSpeaks on deliberative events. We have attracted local co-sponsors including the Truman Presidential Library, the Kansas City Public Library and Johnson County Library, the local press club and a state legislator. events with national organizations, legislators, and libraries. Deliberation asks citizens to consider three ways of approaching a public policy issue. It helps people move past wishful thinking and work across boundaries to find solutions.

Community Reviews

Community Creating Opportunties (CCO) has been in existing in our Community for 35 years, it is a Faith Based organization that brings people of all faith together to build relationships and develop strong leaders to improve the quality of life in our communities. We are a multicultrual, inter-religious organization that brings together diverse perspectives and views for a collective vision to transform lives through new and powerful relationships. How do we do this? Beginning with the concrete problems faced by working families and then doing careful research, create policy and program innovations from the ground up to affect change. We have organizations in Kansas City Kansas and Kansas City Missouri, Jefferson City MO, and Springfield MO. CCO represents over 100 Churches and organization throughout the State. We are involved Healthcare, Housing and Community Development and Youth development, just to name a few things.